A well-designed preschool program can teach children the early language and literacy skills that pave the way for long-term academic success. In order to give children a strong start in understanding the relationships between letters and sounds, teachers should provide explicit instruction in phonological awareness and integrate opportunities for practice into daily activities. Additionally, teachers support oral language and vocabulary development by using interactive and dialogic reading practices to engage students in thinking and talking about stories.

Regional Comprehensive Center staff and others who work directly with state education agencies will find strategies in the planning template to facilitate conversations with state staff about...

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